A wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event that requires a lot of planning. It can also come with a pretty high price tag.
Knowing how much a wedding costs is important for couples to know so they can plan accordingly and avoid any unexpected surprises. The following are some of the key elements that can impact the overall wedding cost:
Venue
Choosing your venue has a major impact on how much your wedding will cost. Whether you dream of a backyard DIY wedding with wildflowers in milk bottles or a ballroom reception at the Waldorf Astoria, your vision will affect your wedding budget. The more detailed and customized your wedding design is, the more it will cost. Prioritizing your must-haves and trimming unnecessary costs will help you come up with a realistic wedding budget.
Many venues have additional fees like service charges and gratuity that need to be factored into the total. The season and day of the week also affect wedding costs. A wedding hosted during peak summertime is likely to be pricier, as is a weekend celebration.
If you’re receiving monetary gifts from friends or family, make sure to include them in the planning process so everyone is on the same page with their contributions. Keeping your wedding expenses in one account will help you track them easily and ensure that you don’t overspend. We recommend using a credit card that offers rewards and cashback to maximize your savings.
Catering
The catering cost for a wedding can be one of the largest expenses for couples. This includes food for cocktail hour and the main meal, either served plated or buffet style. It also includes beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and staffing. Caterers often offer a variety of packages that can be customized to suit your needs and budget.
It’s important to select a caterer that you trust and feel comfortable working with. Check online reviews and ask friends and family for recommendations. You should also ask for references from previous clients and sample menus before you book. Asking about their policies, including whether they require a deposit and what happens if you cancel, can help you make an informed choice.
Another factor that influences the catering cost is the number of guests you invite. If you can cut your guest list by ten people, you can save about $70 on your food. You may also be able to reduce the cost of other services, like invitations and day-of stationery. These savings can add up over time.
Entertainment
Wedding entertainment is an important element of any celebration, and can also be one of the most fun. Live painters, dancers, additional musical performers, poets, caricature artists and other unique experiences can add a unique touch to your special day and help keep guests engaged. Plan on setting aside about 5% of your budget for this aspect.
The final cost of your wedding will ultimately depend on personal choices like location, date and time of year, and what you want from vendors. If your dream venue or a particular dress is non-negotiable, make sure to factor that into your overall costs. If you find that a particular element puts you over your budget, be willing to compromise or ask yourself if it’s really worth going into debt for. And be sure to include wedding insurance in your budget — it offers peace of mind and can be worth the investment. The Knot points out that the exact breakdown of how much couples spend on their weddings will differ based on factors such as the size of the guest list, how many drinks are served and whether you have a DJ or band.
Flowers
Flowers are a key part of any wedding. They add color, texture and feel to a celebration and set the tone for the day. While they aren’t as costly as the venue or food, flowers can still make a significant impact on your budget.
It’s important to decide who is responsible for the floral expenses and how much you want to spend on each. Some couples split the cost equally, while others ask their parents for a specific contribution to the flower bill. Once you have a clear number, start shopping for the best packages to fit your vision and budget.
Start by deciding on your favorite blooms and how you would like them to look. For example, roses are classic and elegant, while calla lilies are timeless and chic. If you’re looking for something more playful, try herringbone or ranunculus. These types of flowers are more budget-friendly and come in a variety of colors. They also make great additions to bouquets, table runners and even the toss petals.
Rentals
A wedding is a major event and many couples choose to add extra decorations and accents. This can lead to a lot of small details that add up in price. It’s important to make a budget breakdown and decide what’s most important to you and your partner, then compromise on your shared must-haves.
Another large wedding expense is renting equipment like tables and chairs. Depending on the venue, some may be included in your package, while others you’ll need to purchase separately. This is especially true if you’re having an outdoor or tented wedding.
You’ll also need to rent other items, such as lighting and generators. This is particularly true for outdoor weddings where a power source is crucial. If you’re hosting a backyard or tented reception, renting restroom trailers is a must, too. You’ll need a place for your guests to take bathroom breaks between drinks, and it’s a good idea to include a backup plan in case of bad weather. Finally, don’t forget about transportation for your guests and the bridal party. GOGO Charters offers vehicles from 56-person motorcoaches to compact minibuses that will ensure everyone gets to and from your wedding safely.
Cake
While cake pops and donut walls may be all the rage, 75% of couples still opt for a traditional wedding cake. Considering that wedding cakes are a significant item on the reception checklist, it’s important to understand what factors into their prices.
Since wedding cakes are priced based largely on labor, the more handmade details and decor your cake has, the more it will cost. Consider limiting the number of tiers or reducing its overall size, to keep costs down. Additionally, simpler shapes like round or square tend to be cheaper than more unique designs that require specialized baking pans.
Icing type and fillings also affect price. Basic icings, like buttercream or fondant, are cheaper than more elaborate options, like rosettes or basket-weave frosting. Fillings, such as fresh fruit, liqueurs, or nuts, are more expensive as well.
Also consider the delivery and set-up of your cake. Some venues charge a per-slice cake cutting fee, which can add up. Talk with your baker about negotiating this fee, especially if you’re choosing to bring in your own cake.
Florists
A wedding budget can vary significantly, depending on a variety of factors, including how many people are invited, where the event is being held and what vendors are chosen. But there are some expenses that are nearly universal, such as wedding attire and venue rentals. These are costs that should be carefully considered as part of the overall planning process so that couples don’t start their married lives with substantial wedding debt.
As for the flowers, it’s important to remember that these do not just come in a package. They need to be cut, trimmed, tied and placed in the right vessel to create bouquets, centerpieces and other arrangements. This is a time-consuming task that should be left to professionals.
While the average cost of a wedding may be quite high, many people are able to pay for their nuptials with the help of their loved ones or by relying on credit cards that have low interest rates. The key is to work out a financial plan that allows you to enjoy the celebration while still managing your wedding expenses wisely.
Groomsmen
Groomsmen are an important part of the wedding day. They may be expected to wear a suit or tuxedo on the wedding, and they may need to buy or rent their own attire. They also might be required to help plan and pay for the bachelor party. If the couple is having a destination wedding, groomsmen may also be asked to cover travel expenses for themselves and guests.
On average, being a groomsman costs $200. This includes the cost of a new suit or tuxedo, and any accessories like cufflinks and a tie. They also might need to buy a new pair of dress shoes that match the wedding color scheme.
Many groomsmen are required to give a wedding gift to the couple, which can add up. Most planners recommend that the amount of the gift should be 10 to 15% of what you’re asking them to spend on being in your wedding. Having a clear understanding of how much a wedding costs can help couples make smart decisions about their budget. It’s also helpful to set a realistic limit that you can stick to, even if it means making sacrifices along the way.